Aluminum Surveillance

Aluminum has a low density and is known for its ability to resist corrosion due to the phenomenon of passivation. Structural components made from aluminum and its alloys are vital to the aerospace industry as well as transportation and construction. Its reactive nature makes it useful as a catalyst or additive in chemical mixtures, including ammonium nitrate explosives.

Despite its natural abundance, aluminum has no known function in living cells and presents some toxic effects in elevated concentrations. Its toxicity can be traced to deposits in bone and the central nervous system, particularly in patients with reduced renal function. Because aluminum competes with calcium for absorption, increased amounts of dietary aluminum may contribute to the reduced skeletal mineralization (osteopenia) observed in preterm infants and infants with growth retardation. In very high doses, aluminum can cause neurotoxicity, and is associated with altered function of the blood-brain barrier. A small percentage of people are allergic to aluminum and experience contact dermatitis, digestive disorders, vomiting or other symptoms upon contact or ingestion of products containing aluminum, such as deodorants or antacids. In those without allergies, aluminum is not as toxic as heavy metals, but there is evidence of some toxicity if it is consumed in excessive amounts.

Those at risk for overexposure tend to work in the following industries that handle products containing aluminum including:

• Transportation (automobiles, aircraft, trucks, railway cars, marine vessels, bicycles etc.) as sheet, tube, castings etc.
• Packaging (cans, foil, etc.) 
• Construction (windows, doors, siding, building wire, etc.)
• A wide range of household items, from cooking utensils to baseball bats, watches
• Street lighting poles, sailing ship masts, walking poles etc.
• Outer shells of consumer electronics, also cases for equipment e.g. photographic equipment
• Electrical transmission lines for power distribution